Junior Sous Chef

The Oak Barn Bar & Restaurant; Chichester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tips & bonuses

Work-life balance

Flexible shifts

Family-run atmosphere

Job summary

The Oak Barn Restaurant in Mid Sussex is seeking a dynamic Junior Sous Chef to join our busy kitchen. This is a perfect role for someone looking to develop their skills, gain hands on experience with structured mentoring.

You will work under the guidance of senior chefs, contribute to seasonal menus, and help coordinate events while maintaining Rosette-standard food quality. Own transport essential; UK-based applicants only.

Qualifications

• Solid & proven Chef experience in restaurants or gastro pubs.
• Strong background in high-quality & fresh-produce kitchens.
• Creative flair with seasonal produce & menu innovation.

Responsibilities

• Work closely alongside senior team to learn & improve.
• Assist the brigade in service & preparation.
• Run kitchen sections & oversee standards of service & food.
• Create & develop seasonal menus & daily specials.
• Efficiently plan & coordinate events, weddings & buffets.
• Prepare, cook & present fresh food to Rosette standard.
• Manage ordering, stock control, GP awareness & cost control.
• Uphold Health & Safety & Hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate effectively with the Front of House team.
• Ensure cleanliness, organisation & high standards across the kitchen.

Skills

Chef experience

High-quality kitchen

Creativity with seasonal produce

Under pressure

Reliable transport

Job description

(One of Sussex’s Best)

Up to £40K Package – 45+hours – 2.5 days off – 3 evenings off / week

– (One of Sussex’s Best) Up to £40K Package – 45+hours – 2.5 days off – 3 evenings off / week The Oak Barn Restaurant – Mid Sussex – www.oakbarnrestaurant.co.uk

Ready to Lead One of Sussex’s Best?

This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Sussex’s most highly regarded independent restaurants. If you are ready to bring your creativity, leadership & culinary expertise to The Oak Barn, we would like to hear from you!

Benefits Of Working For Us

• Tips & bonuses (weekly paid, average + £6,000 annually*)
• Work-life balance: 2.5 days off weekly & 9.15pm* finish times
• 4.5 days over 7* (mix of splits & straights)
• 3 evenings off a week*
• 45-50 hours a week*
• Working Hours*: 9.15am – 3.30pm – Break – 5.30pm – 9.15pm
• Flexible shifts with lifestyle-friendly hours
• Family-run & supportive atmosphere with a hardworking & passionate, “work hard … play hard” culture
• Experienced chef team

About Us

The Oak Barn Restaurant is a family-run, independent, top-rated 150-cover Restaurant & Bar in Mid Sussex. We pride ourselves on creating Rosette-standard modern British cuisine, combining timeless classics with contemporary flair. Our menus are seasonal, locally sourced & freshly prepared to order, with daily specials & catering for weddings, buffets & large group bookings.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic & passionate Junior Sous Chef to join our busy kitchen. This is a perfect role for someone looking to develop their skills, gain hands on experience with structured mentoring.

Food Service Times

• Monday – Saturday: 12pm – 3pm & 6pm – 9pm
• Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
• Out of the kitchen by approx. 9.15pm weekdays, 7.30pm Sundays*

Responsibilities

• Work closely alongside senior team to learn & improve
• Assist the brigade in service & preparation
• Run kitchen sections & oversee standards of service & food
• Create & develop seasonal menus & daily specials
• Efficiently plan & coordinate events, weddings & buffets
• Prepare, cook & present fresh food to Rosette standard
• Manage ordering, stock control, GP awareness & cost control
• Uphold Health & Safety & Hygiene regulations
• Collaborate effectively with the Front of House team
• Ensure cleanliness, organisation & high standards across the kitchen

The Ideal Candidate

• Solid & proven Chef experience in restaurants or gastro pubs
• Strong background in high-quality & fresh-produce kitchens
• Creative flair with seasonal produce & menu innovation
• Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Committed, consistent & detail-oriented work approach
• Own transport essential
• No accommodation provided – UK-based applicants only
• On rare occasions, such as specific days or weeks of the year, or when necessary, work hours, shift coverage, pay & schedules may change.